Nearly 200 staff members working for Prince Charles are currently taking a forced leave of absence, otherwise also known as furlough from work, due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, the Prince of Wales is still reportedly taking care of their salaries and its cost will not be a burden to the taxpayers.
According to reports, Prince Charles is not relying on the government to pay for the salaries of his furloughed staff at The Prince Foundation, even if such a benefit is extended to U.K. workers. Instead, the Prince of Wales is using the money from his charity reserves while the whole country is trying to survive this pandemic.
Employees of The Prince Foundation will either receive 80 to 100 percent of their salaries, depending on their variable hours of work. The head of The Prince Foundation, Michael Fawcett, on the other hand, reportedly, took a pay cut as a goodwill gesture and was followed by the rest of the foundation's senior management.
It comes as many high-profile entrepreneurs like Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham and the owners of Selfridges and Primark are using the government scheme to keep paying their workers. These multi-millionaires are receiving criticisms for not using their personal fortune to support their staff.
The Prince Foundation earns by managing different tourist attractions in the United Kingdom, such as the Dumfries House and the Castle of Mey. It also runs different events and commercial activities in partnership with other organization.
The organization, reportedly, boasts of a $20.5 million (£16.6 million) yearly income. A third of this goes to the salary of its staff.
Meanwhile, Prince Charles also receives a private income from his Duchy of Cornwall. Much of the earnings from his land are actually coursed through this charity work and it's the funds used by much of the lifestyle of his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, and children, Prince William and Prince Harry. The Duchy of Cornwall apparently earns nearly $28.7 million a year, while Prince Charles total estimated net worth is at $100 million.
Prince Charles is also, reportedly, paying half of Prince Harry and Meghan's security cost in America for the first year of their new royal life. It is understood, however, that this help will not be forever.
"Charles has agreed to pay a 'private contribution' to the Sussexes," a source said. "However, the Prince of Wales does not have an infinite amount of money."
